Sheffield and Leeds student property firm Unite Students extends rent discount

This takes the total discount period to seven weeks, in light of the Government's continuation of lockdown restrictions to March 8 2021.

All eligible students who applied for the four-week 50 per cent rent discount will now receive the additional three-week 50 per cent discount automatically.

The firm, which has properties in Sheffield and Leeds, said that eligible students will also be given a four week complimentary extension of their tenancy agreement at the end of the academic year to extend their stay into the summer.

The rental discount and tenancy extension will be available to all students checked-in but not living in their accommodation between January 18 and March 7, 2021.

Unite added that approximately half of checked-in students have now returned to its buildings across the country.

The loss of rental income associated with the additional three-week rental discount is up to £6m, Unite said. The further three-week extension results in a total cost for the seven-week rental discount and tenancy extension of up to £15m.

Unite has collected 91 per cent of rent due to date for the 2020/21 academic year.

The firm jas now collected 91 per cent of rent due to date for the 2020/21 academic year. This reflects term one rent collection of 96 per cent and term two rent collection at 84 per cent to date.

It added that to be eligible for the seven-week rent discount, students are required to be up to date with their rental payments as of February 14, 2021.

Richard Smith, CEO of Unite Students, said: "Supporting students has been our priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and we will continue to play our part during these exceptional circumstances.

"We recognise this is a challenging time for students, which is why we've extended our current 50 per cent rent discount period.

"All our properties remain open for the tens of thousands of students who are still living in their accommodation, with our staff on hand to help. Our focus is on keeping all our students and our staff safe across all our properties.

"We also continue to work closely with our university partners and will review any material changes in the Government's guidance on universities remaining open."

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